Brick's Proposed 2020 Town Budget Includes 2-Cent Tax Increase

BRICK, NJ — The Brick Township Council introduced its tentative budget for 2020 on Tuesday night, a $106 million package that includes a roughly 2-cent increase in the municipal tax rate.

The budget introduction meeting was held with some of the council members in town hall and others joining by a conference call number provided to allow public comment, a move approved by the state government as a solution amid the outbreak of the new coronavirus and Gov. Phil Murphy's ban on public gatherings.

Mayor John G. Ducey said the proposed budget increased primarily due to increases in the cost of health care benefits, pension contributions and waste disposal.

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"I would have preferred to have presented this budget to you under other circumstances," said Ducey in short remarks at the end of the meeting. The state mandated moving forward with the budget introductions despite the outbreak and Gov. Phil Murphy order halting gatherings in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus.

There are 14 positive cases in Brick, according to numbers released Tuesday by the Ocean County Health Department. Statewide figures released Tuesday afternoon include 3,675 positive cases of COVID-19, and 44 people have died from it, officials said.

Ocean County has 200 cases as of Tuesday afternoon, with 84 reported in Lakewood, 28 in Toms River, 23 in Jackson and 11 in Point Pleasant Borough. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Towns across New Jersey are holding virtual meetings to meet budget introduction deadlines set by the state. The Brick council records meetings on video and posts them the following day on the township's YouTube channel, but because the town's YouTube videos are not live, turned to the conference call to allow for public comment.

Ducey, Council President Lisa Crate, Business Administrator Joanne Bergin and Township Clerk Lynnette Iannarone were gathered in town hall, but the remainder of the council joined via the conference call.

The proposed property tax increase equates to $55.87 for the owner of a home assessed at the township average of $294,500. Ducey said the budget preserves services to residents.

As the coronavirus outbreak puts financial pressure on residents, many of whom are among those not working and not receiving a paycheck, Ducey said he is hopeful the state will provide relief in the form of pushing back property tax payment dates and waiving late fees.

"It's something we would absolutely be in favor of," Ducey said in answer to a question. But the the authority to delay those payments lies with the state, he said.

The full public hearing and final adoption of the budget is scheduled for April 28.

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